Theme Nights and Farmers Markets: New In-House Team Elevates Laurel Circle Dining Experience

With a new, highly experienced, and innovative food and beverage team transforming the kitchen, it’s a very exciting time to be a resident of Laurel Circle!

“Over the past few months, we’ve been building a new dining experience that mixes tempting nightly specials and elevated seasonal dishes with always-available favorites,” says the senior living life plan community’s Director of Food and Beverage, Patrick Duffy.

The reviews are in, and the residents are raving about Laurel Circle’s new theme nights, commitment to farm-to-table dishes, sumptuous made-from-scratch soups, and increased dessert options. “Dining is the heart and soul of a senior living community’s social life,” says Brian Alexopoulos, Laurel Circle’s Executive Director. “We are very happy with the direction that Patrick and his team have taken us in. Our residents are excited to see what Chef comes up with next.”

The new Executive Chef, Dave Connolly, knows how to please discerning customers, having come from a restaurant background. He was the executive chef and part-owner of a popular year-round bar and grill on the Shore for more than a decade.

“My goal is to create a menu so interesting that people will have a tough time choosing what to have,” he says. “At the same time, consistency is key. Residents know that no matter the order, it will be delicious, and it will be made with care.”

While many senior living communities bring in outside companies to handle their dining services, Laurel Circle is proud to have an in-house team. “Working directly for the community puts us that much closer to the residents,” says Duffy. “We can change our menu quickly in response to resident suggestions. We also have the freedom to get the freshest in-season ingredients, and to experiment, too!”

“When people tell me they don’t have anything to cook, I love to go through their fridges to create fine dining dishes with what they have — like an episode of ‘Chopped,’” says Connolly. “Luckily, we can ensure that Laurel Circle’s pantry has the highest quality ingredients to start off with.”

Together, Duffy and Connolly bring more than six decades of culinary experience to Laurel Circle and their success as a team has already been proven: the pair worked together at another highly-rated senior living community for five years.

Popular options and initiatives that they’ve already introduced include a summertime farmers market in the community’s lobby, a weekly bake sale, theme nights like Taco Tuesday, ice cream sundae bars, and the ability to order a meal from the restaurant to go. Residents can also enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or a bottle of beer with every dinner, courtesy of the kitchen.

To learn more about Laurel Circle’s food and beverage team please visit laurelcirclelcs.com or call 908-595-6500.